The life of the Rev. John Wesley

Front matter

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Chapter I

Mr. Wesley's birth — Escape from death by fire — His education and ordination — Is nicknamed a Methodist at college — His benevolent efforts for the sick, poor, and prisoners — Opposition — Proposes some queries to his opponents — His religious state — Last meeting of his father's family.

The Rev. John Wesley was born at Epworth, in Lincolnshire, England, on the 17th of June, 1703, O. S. His father, grandfather, and great grandfather were ministers, as also were his brothers, Samuel and Charles. When about six years of age, the providence of God preserved him from a most dreadful death. At this time his father's house was burned about midnight. It was supposed to have been set on fire by some wicked people who were offended with his plain preaching. For some time it was thought that John must perish in the flames. His father heard him cry, but could not help him, as he was in the second story of the house : but giving him up for lost, he kneeled down and commended his soul to God.

The little boy was waked by the fire, and seeing the chamber and bed on fire was frightened. No one coming to his assistance he climbed up to the window: some men in the garden now saw him ; and one man standing on another's shoulders reached him and took him out of the window just as the roof fell in ! When he was carried into the house his father cried out, " Come, neighbours, let us kneel down and give thanks to God ! He has given me all my eight children ; let the house go, I am rich enough!" Parents love their children much more than they love houses, or lands.

Mrs. Wesley, John's mother, was a very remarkable woman. She feared God, and endeavoured to train up her children in the way in which they should go ; and felt deeply interested that they might obtain both useful knowledge, and right notions of religion. She taught them to obey their parents, to pray night and morning, to ask a blessing on their food, to keep the Sabbath day holy, and never to quarrel with each other ; and so much did they love each other, that they were called the most loving family in Lincolnshire.

When John was eleven years old he was sent to the Charter-House school, where he soon became distinguished for his diligence and progress in learning. At seventeen he entered college, and during the year began to think of entering the ministry. In reflecting on the importance of the office, together with its responsibilities and its consequences to himself and others, it appeared of the greatest magnitude to him, and made a deep impression on his mind. But having asked and received the advice of his parents, he resolved to devote himself wholly to the service of God. He was ordained at the age of twenty-two. He remained at the university several years after he graduated, discharging the various duties attached to the stations he rilled.

During this period, by his advice and influence, his brother Charles, and two or three other young gentlemen, students, were induced to meet together occasionally to assist and encourage each other in their studies. They adopted a set of rules, and divided their time and studies accordingly. At this time the exact regularity of their lives, as well as of their studies, obtained for them the appellation of Methodists. This name was given them in allusion to an ancient sect of physicians, — so denominated from the exactness of the regimen which they prescribed. These meetings eventually assumed a religious character ; and the little company increasing, embraced, among others, Mr. Hervey, the author of the Meditations ; and Mr. Whitefield, the celebrated preacher.

Their strict and exemplary conduct, and great zeal in doing good, awakened much opposition, and occasioned some violent measures against a member of the holy club, as this association was now termed. They began to visit the prisoners in the jail and castle, and to converse with them ; and being desirous to promote their salvation, they resolved to visit them weekly. They also commenced visiting the sick poor, and resolved to spend two or three hours in the week in this species of charity, should there be no objection from the minister of the parish in which such persons lived. But as this practice was quite new, and had the appearance of irregularity, on which account it might give offence, Mr. Wesley did not choose to proceed any farther without advice. He accordingly wrote to his father, stating what he had done, and his design ; and asked his opinion of it, and his advice in reference to their future course.

His father replied, " As to your designs and employments, what can I say less of them than that I highly approve them, and that I have the highest reason to bless God that he has given me two sons at Oxford to whom he has given grace and courage to turn the war against the world and the devil, which is the best way to conquer them. Go on, then, in God's name, and in the path to which your Saviour has directed you. Walk as prudently as you can, but not fearfully : and my heart and prayers are with you. Your first regular step is to consult with him who has the jurisdiction over the prisoners ; the next is to obtain the direction and approbation of your bishop."

The advice and instructions of Mr. Wesley's father confirmed them in their pious and benevolent purposes, and animated them with zeal in their execution. Following it, Mr. Wesley consulted the chaplain of the bishop in whose diucess the university was situated, and obtained his approbation. The bishop being consulted, was highly pleased with the undertaking.

The opposition however increased. But most of those who opposed and ridiculed them being persons of well-known characters, their opposition effected but little, until a gentleman of learning and esteemed for piety joined them, and told his nephew that "if he dared to go to the weekly communion any longer he would turn him out of doors." This argument had no success : the young gentleman communicated the next week. The pious uncle now became more violent, and shook him by the throat to convince him of his error ; but even this did not convince the young man, and he continued his usual practice. The uncle now tried a new plan, and by a soft and obliging manner melted down the young man's resolution of being so strictly religious; and from this time he frequently absented himself from the sacrament. This partial success gave the opposition new strength; it became more serious in consequence of the accession to its numbers of some persons of influence who took a decided stand against the Wesleys, and their associates.

At this trying period the Messrs. Wesley wrote to their father, stating their situation, and asking farther advice. In reply, he asks, " What would you be ? Would you be angels ? I question whether a mortal can arrive at a greater degree of perfection than steadily to do good, and for that very reason patiently, and meekly, to suffer evil. My daily prayers are, that God would keep N you humble, and then I am sure if you continue to 'suffer for righteousness' sake,' the Spirit of glory and of God shall in some good measure rest upon you. And you cannot but feel such a satisfaction in your own minds as you would not part with for all the world. Be never weary of well doing. Be not high minded, but fear. The less you value yourselves for these unfashionable duties, the more will you be valued by God and man. I hear my son John has the honour of being styled the * Father of the Holy Club.' I had rather one of my sons should be so dignified and distinguished than to bear the title of His Holiness." The same letter advises them to great mildness toward their persecutors, to avoid a mean and sneaking behaviour, and to show an open and manly firmness, which is highly becoming in a mind conscious of doing right.

Mr. Wesley, on the behalf of his associates, returned thanks to his excellent father for th6 above judicious advice, and expressed their approbation of it. Having a favourable opportunity, he determined on the performance of an act of kindness to one of his earliest enemies, hoping thereby to remove prejudice from his mind. We know not the result.

Being encouraged by the letter just mentioned, they continued to meet together as usual, and to confirm one another in their pious resolutions. They still received the Lord's Supper once a week, visited the prisoners and the sick poor; and that they might relieve their necessities, they abridged themselves of all the superfluities of life, and of many of its conveniences.

They also improved every opportunity of awakening their friends to a sense of religion ; bat opposition continually increasing, they proposed to their friends and enemies a number of questions, among which are the following :—

Whether it does not concern all men of all conditions to imitate, as much as possible, Him who went about doing good ?

Whether all Christians are not concerned in that command, "While we have time let us do good to all men ?"

Whether we can be happy hereafter unless we have, according to our power, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited those that are sick and in prison, and made all those actions subservient to a higher end, the saving souls from death ?

Whether we may not try to do good to our acquaintance. Particularly whether we may not try to convince them of the necessity of being Christians ?

Whether, if we know any necessitous family, we may not give them a little food, or clothing, or medicine, as they may want ?

Whether we may not contribute what little we are able toward having their children clothed, and taught ?

Whether we may not try to do good to those who are in prison, giving to those who most need it a little money, or clothing, or medicine ?

No person of religion or humanity could answer these questions in the negative ; but several persons, when they understood the design of these benevolent young men, became quarterly subscribers to their little stock of money for the relief of the prisoners, the sick, and the poor ; so that although ridicule increased fast upon them, they were the more confirmed that they were acting right, and were more determined to pursue their plan.

In the beginning of the year 1731 a meeting was held by several seniors of the college to consult on the most speedy way of stopping the progress of enthusiasm. Mr. Wesley and his friends did not learn what was the result of this very pious consultation ; but it was

soon publicly reported that " Dr. and the

censors were going to blow up the godly club." This was now their common title, though they were sometimes dignified with that of the " enthusiasts," a very convenient term of reproach, and not unfrequently applied in these days to persons zealously engaged in the cause of religion.

During some of the first months of the succeeding year the Wesleys journeyed on foot to visit their parents, being resolved to save every penny they could to give to the poor. On their return they found the state of their little society rather discouraging ; yet notwithstanding their circumstances were very trying, they still pursued their design of doing as much good as possible : the same zeal and diligence were - still manifested.

When Mr. Wesley first commenced his religious course of life, he was fully convinced that he did not possess that state of mind which the Gospel describes as the privilege of every true believer in Christ ; but he expected that the practice of every duty to the utmost of his power would lead him into this state, and give him peace and joy in God. This effect did not follow : he was often dull, languid, and unaffected, in the use of the most solemn ordinances. This both distressed and perplexed him, so that he seemed at a loss which way to proceed to obtain the happiness and security he desired. The truth was, he was now bringing forth "fruits meet for repentance," and so far he was right. But he thought he had the faith of the Gospel ; in this he was deceived. He looked for righteousness, peace, and joy, without being justified. We shall see him convinced of this error, and bitterly lamenting the delusion.

A letter he wrote to his mother at this time evidences great perplexity of mind, and a most ardent desire and pursuit of a saving knowledge of God, together with a willingness to sacrifice the dearest object in life to obtain the desired enjoyment. A few extracts follow.

After speaking of some of the advantages he enjoyed, he asks, " What shall I do to make all these blessings effectual to gain from them that mind which was in Christ Jesus? Shall I break off the pursuit of all learning but what immediately tends to practice? I once desired to make a fair show in language and philosophy — but it is past — there is a more excellent way, and if I cannot attain to any progress in the one, without throwing up all thoughts of the other, fare it well. You say you have renounced the world, and what have I been doing all this time ? What have I done ever since I was born ? Why, I have been plunging myself into it more and more. It is enough, ' Awake, thou that sleepest. 5 Then I am to renounce the world, as well as you. That is the very thing I want to do — but how ? What is the shortest way ? In many things you have interceded for me and prevailed. Who knows but in this too you may be successful ? If you can spare me only that little part of Thursday evening which you formerly bestowed on me in another manner, I doubt not but it would be as useful now in correcting my heart, as it was then in forming my judgment."

It should be here remarked that the Messrs. Wesley and all their associates were zealous members of the Church of England, sincere believers of her doctrines, and conscientiously attached to her worship and government.

In 1732 Mr. Wesley visited and became personally acquainted with Mr. Law, the author of the excellent book called, " A Serious Call to a Holy Life." He also became known to many pious and respectable persons in London, and heartily approved the design of those friends of mankind who associated together to carry on a plan for suppressing vice, and spreading religion and virtue among the people, and was admitted a member of the "Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge." In the course of the year he made a journey to Epworth, in order that the whole family might once more assemble together before their final separation by death. This meeting was no doubt very affecting : the aged father was becoming infirm, and the sons were going to reside at a distance from home, and it was not probable that they would ever see each other again in this world !

Chapter II

Mr. Wesley's serious illness — Death of his father — Embarks for Georgia as a missionary — Employment of his time — Colony of Georgia — Arrival in Savannah — Interview, and treaty with the Indians — Indian oration — He meets with great opposition — Leaves Savannah, and reaches Charleston — Embarks for England — His estimate of his religious state .

In September, 1734, Mr. Wesley commenced the practice of reading as he travelled on horseback ; and this practice he continued nearly forty years, until his advanced age obliged him to travel in a carriage. His health had now become impaired by his frequent journeys on foot, as well as on horseback, his great and constant labours of preaching, writing, studying, and great abstemiousness. His strength was much reduced, and he had frequent attacks of spitting blood. On one occasion he had a return of it in such quantity as waked him out of sleep. The sudden and unexpected manner in which it occurred, together with the solemnity of the night season, made eternity seem near. He cried to God, "O prepare me for thy coming, and come when thou wilt!" Taking the advice of. a physician, by proper care, and a prudent management of his daily exercise, he gradually recovered his health.

The whole strength of his mind was now bent to religious subjects, and he obtained clearer notions of religious experience. At this time, in consequence of the declining health of Mr. Wesley's father, the old gentleman and his son Samuel used much influence with John to induce him to apply for the living of Epworth, in order to succeed his father upon his death. Mr. Wesley having maturely considered the matter, was determined, by several considerations, to remain at Oxford; believing that there he could be most devoted to God, and most useful to his fellow men. The subsequent events of his life proved him to be right. His father died in April, 1735, and the living of Epworth was disposed of in May, after which he considered himself as fully settled at Oxford.

But now a new scene of action was proposed to him, of which he had previously no idea. The trustees of the new colony of Georgia were in great want of proper persons to send thither to preach the Gospel both to the colonists and to the Indians. They fixed on Mr. Wesley and some of his friends as the most suitable, on account of the regularity of their behaviour, their abstemious way of living, and their readiness to endure hardships. Being introduced to Mr. Oglethorpe, the governor of the colony, they received from him a most pressing invitation to accept the proposal of the trustees. Without giving a positive answer Mr. Wesley took time to advise with his friends. Several of these having given their opinion on it, he visited his mother and laid the matter before her. Her answer was characteristic. " Had I twenty sons, I should rejoice were they all so employed, though I should never see them more."— Mr. Wesley still hesitating, received a letter from his friend, Dr. Burton, one of the trustees, pressing him to a compliance. The doctor writes, " Your short conference with Mr. Oglethorpe has raised the hopes of many good persons that you and yours would join in an undertaking which cannot be better executed than by such instruments. I cannot help again recommending the undertaking to your choice ; and the more so, since on inquiry there appears such an unfitness in the generality of people. That state of ease, luxury, levity, and inadvertency, observable in most of the popular doctors, are disqualifications in a Christian teacher, and would lead us to look for a different set of people." Mr. Wesley having consented to go to Georgia, a 2 few days after, Dr. Burton wrote him : " It was with no small pleasure I heard of your resolution. I am persuaded that an opportunity is offered of doing much good."

Mr. Charles Wesley also consented to accompany his brother in this new and untried path, which promised them nothing but what they most ardently desired — a more complete deliverance from the world. He was accordingly prepared for it by receiving ordination.

Mr. Wesley now prepared for his voyage to America, but was not suffered to depart without many remonstrances from some of his friends. One who did not believe in Divine revelation said to him, " What is this, sir ? Are you turned Quixotte too ? Will nothing serve you but to encounter wind mills?" He calmly replied, " Sir, if the Bible be not true, I am as very a fool and madman as you can conceive. But if it be of God, I am sober minded : for he has declared, < There is no man that has left house, or friends, or brethren, for the kingdom of God's sake, that shall not receive manifold more in the present time, and in the world to come everlasting life.' "

October 14, 1735, Mr. Wesley, accompanied by his brother Charles, Mr. Ingham, and Mr. Delamotte, left London for Gravesend, in order to embark for Georgia. Two ships sailed in company, having on board about three hundred emigrants to the new colony. Mr. Wesley says, " Our end in leaving our native country was not to avoid want, God having given us plenty of temporal blessings, nor to gain riches, and honour, but singly this, to save souls, to live wholly to the glory of God." There were on board twenty-six Germans, members of the Moravian Church. Mr. Wesley was much struck with their Christian deportment, and commenced learning the German language in order to converse with them. He now began to preach extempore, which afterward became his constant practice.

Believing that by the blessing of God self-denial might be helpful to them, Mr. Wesley and his associates confined themselves to vegetable food during the voyage. The following is the manner in which they spent their time. They rose at four o'clock. From four to five in the morning they were engaged in private prayer. From five to six they studied the Scriptures. At seven they breakfasted. At eight were the public prayers. From nine to twelve they were engaged in study. At twelve they met and conversed upon their employments. About one they dined. The time from dinner till four was occupied in reading to the people, and in conversing with them. At four were evening prayers, when a portion of Scripture was expounded, or the children were catechized. From five to six was spent in private prayer. From six to seven they read in different cabins to various persons. From seven to eight the Germans had public service. At eight they all met together again to exhort and instruct one another. Between eight and nine they retired to rest.

The time spent and the pains taken with the passengers were not lost. Some very ignorant persons were instructed, and many were deeply awakened. Although Mr. Wesley made great sacrifices, performed much labour with a sole reference to the glory of God and the salvation of souls ; and although he was instrumental in promoting the spiritual interests of others, it is certain that at this time he was very little acquainted with experimental religion. He now became convinced of this from the fear of death, which with all his efforts he could not overcome ; and by the example of lively and victorious faith he saw in some of his fellow passengers, the Germans. He particularly noticed their great seriousness, humility, and meekness : but especially their faith in God. Once in the midst of their public service a sea broke over, split the mainsail, covered the ship, and poured down between decks as if the great deep had already swallowed them up. The English passengers screamed terribly. The Germans calmly sung on. On being asked afterward, " Was you not afraid V 9 One of them answered, " I thank God, no." " But were not your women and children afraid ?" He mildly replied, " No, our women and children are not afraid to die."

A circumstance occurred during this voyage which is not unworthy of notice. Mr. Wesley hearing an unusual noise in the cabin of General Oglethorpe, the governor of Georgia, and who had embarked in the same vessel, stepped in to inquire the cause ; on which the general immediately addressed him, " Mr. Wesley, you must excuse me ; I have met with a provocation too great for man to bear. You know the only wine I drink is Cyprus wine, as it agrees with me the best of any. I therefore provided myself with several dozens of it, and this villain Grimaldi (his Italian servant, who was present and almost dead with fear) has drunk nearly the whole of it. But I will be revenged. He shall be tied hand and foot, and carried to the man-of-war. (He alluded to a man-of-war which sailed with them.) The rascal should have taken care how he used me so, for I never forgive." " Then I hope, sir," said Mr. Wesley, looking calmly at him, "you never sin." The general was quite confounded at the reproof; and, after a pause, putting his hand in his pocket, he took out a bunch of keys, which he threw at Grimaldi, saying, " There, villain ! take my keys, and behave better in future."

At this time the colony of Georgia had been founded only three years. The British government had encouraged it as a defence for the southern provinces against the Spaniards : but it had been projected by men of enlarged benevolence, as a means for providing for the poor of England. The first expedition consisted of a hundred and sixteen settlers. General James Oglethorpe, one of the trustees of the colony, and an active, enterprising man, accompanied them.

The country belonged to the Creek Indians, They were computed to amount to about 25,000 souls, war and disease having greatly reduced their numbers. Fifty chiefs and aged men from the eight tribes of the Creeks, were deputed to confer . with General Oglethorpe, and treat about an alliance. In the name of these confederated tribes, Weccachumpa, the Long Chief, informed the British adventurers what was the extent of country which they claimed. He acknowledged the superiority of the white men to the red ; he said, they were persuaded, that the great Power who dwelt in heaven and all around, had sent the English there for their good ; and therefore they were welcome to all the land which the Creeks did not use . themselves.

Tomo-chachi, to whose tribe this part of the country belonged, then presented the general with a buffalo skin, adorned on the inside with the head and feathers of an eagle. The eagle, he said, signified speed, and the buffalo strength. Like the eagle, the English flew over the great waters to the uttermost parts of the earth ; and like the buffalo, they were so strong that nothing could withstand them. The feathers of the eagle, he said, were soft, and signified love ; the skin of the buffalo was warm, and signified protection ; therefore he hoped the English would love and protect the little family of the Creeks. The alliance was soon completed :

and the general then presented to each of the micoes, or kings, a shirt, a laced coat, and a laced hat ; to each of their warriors a gun, with some smaller presents to their attendants. General Oglethorpe returned to England the following year, taking with him Tomo-chachi, his wife, son, and seven other Indians. They were presented to George II. at Kensington palace, where Tomo-chachi offered the king a calumet or token of peace, and addressed him in the following characteristic oration ; " This day I see the majesty of your face, the greatness of your house, and the number of your people. I am come in my old days, though I cannot expect to see any advantage to myself: I am come for the good of the children of all the nations of the Upper and Lower Creeks, that they may be instructed in the knowledge of the English. These are feathers of the eagle, which is the swiftest of birds, and which flieth round our nations. These feathers in our land are a sign of peace, and have been carried from town to town there. We have brought them over, to leave with you, O great king, as a token of everlasting peace."

Feb. 5, 1736, they came to anchor in Savannah river. On the succeeding morning they landed on an uninhabited island, where they joined in prayer and offered thanks for their safe voyage.

During this voyage Mr. Wesley closely observed the Germans on board, and gives the following account of their behaviour :—

" They were always employed, always cheerful themselves, and in good humour with one another. They had put away all anger, and strife, and wrath, and clamour, and evil speaking. They walked worthy of their vocation, and adorned the Gospel of our Lord in all things."

Sabbath, March 7, Mr. Wesley entered on the duties of his ministry at Savannah, by preaching on the thirteenth chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians. Although he took the pastoral charge of the people at Savannah, and after the departure of his brother for England he also took the charge of Frederica, yet he ever considered the introduction of the Gospel among the Indians as his primary object. Circumstances however occurred which it was thought rendered it imprudent to undertake a mission which he had greatly at heart. During the time that he waited for opportunity to enter into this desirable employment, he was fully occupied in his pastoral duties, and was incessantly engaged in promoting the salvation of his people.

As a clergyman of the Church of England he felt himself bound in conscience to adhere in every respect to their canons. This course of proceeding, together with his diligence and faithfulness in the discharge of his various duties, awakened a most virulent persecution against him ; and to gratify their malice, and injure his character, his enemies instituted violent and illegal proceedings against him. In